Abstract: A truck track drive can include two rollers. The truck track drive can also include a tread configured to pass over top and bottom of a dual rear wheel assembly on a truck and to be moved by rotation of the dual rear wheels. The track drive can also include a compulsory drive unit.

Abstract: The external stabilizing structure is a structural element for use in work boots and similar types of footwear. The external stabilizing structure comprises a molded footbed of firm yet flexible material that provides external support under both the heel and arch of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A shoe includes a false welt member which extends along and is secured to a peripheral region of an outsole. The welt member includes an interior strip, a wrapping sheet enclosing the interior strip, and a sewing line extending along the wrapping sheet. An upper has a bottom open end secured to at least one of the outsole and the welt member. The wrapping sheet may be made of leather like the upper so that the shoe can present a harmonious and elegant appearance. The interior strip may include two or more strip sections having different stiffness properties so that the shoe can have sufficient flexibility and stiffness at respective front and heel regions.

Abstract: A shoe includes an upper with an open bottom portion which is a welt-like fold line unit. The fold line unit is defined by an outward turning part and an inward turning part which are sewn together through a sewing line unit. An interior strip unit is received inside the fold line unit and retained therein by the sewing line unit. An outsole connected to the upper, has a peripheral end with a top face extending proximate to the fold line unit. A insole connected to the upper has an outer edge which is separated and spaced apart from the welt-like fold line unit, whereby no part of the insole is included in the welt-like fold line unit and the fabrication thereof is simplified.

Abstract: A footwear having an outsole coupled to an upper by a preformed closed-loop welt. The welt is a formed ring-shaped structure having no ends or breaks. The welt is sized and shaped to receive the upper-outsole junction. The welt provides an intermediary structure for coupling the outsole to the upper. The welt includes a sidewall that facilitates stitching and gluing an upper portion of the sidewall to the upper.

Abstract: A fabric-covered shoe welt, and methods of making such a welt and using it to make shoes. The welt is an extruded polymer, and has fabric attached to at least one surface. The fabric is then bonded to the sole of the shoe. The fabric is selected to adhere well to both welt and sole, usually by allowing liquid to wick into the fabric before solidification.

Abstract: A shoe is provided in which an external wrapper covers an outer surface of a midsole along at least a portion of a perimeter of the show. An upper assembly forms an external upper surface of the show. A wrapper locator abuts an inner surface of the external wrapper and includes an upper edge region extending above a top edge of the external wrapper. A lower edge region of the upper material overlaps the upper edge region of the wrapper locator. A lower edge of the upper material abuts an upper edge of the external wrapper. In this manner, the shoe construction is provided having a midsole wrapper that does not result in large ridges or bulky wrinkles.

Abstract: A sports boot that includes an upper, an outer sole and at least one fastening member adapted to cooperate with an associated fastening member of a sports article, such as a snowboard, ski, or skate. The upper is provided at its lower end with a continuous peripheral belt, at least semi-rigid, and each fastening member of the boot is fixed on the peripheral belt. The peripheral belt can be arranged on the inside or on the outside of the upper.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing running shoe has a sole attached to an upper, with a carriage in the upper adapted to receive the rear portion of a runner's foot. The sole has a collapsible area below the carriage. A first strut is attached to the instep side of the sole and extends above the carriage, and a second strut is attached to the outstep side of the sole and extends above the carriage. Elastic bands are coupled to the struts and to the carriage so that the carriage is suspended by the bands over the collapsible area of the sole.

Abstract: A midsole system for a running shoe or foot prosthesis have a sole spring, a heel spring and/or a forefoot spring stores energy of foot impact and releases it during the running cycle. A preferred embodiment provides bending beam sole systems for shoes or foot prostheses comprising a bending beam heel spring, a bending beam forefoot spring, a two coupled spring sole system, and a three coupled spring sole system. The sole systems of this invention maximize stability, cushioning, and walking or running economy.

Abstract: A shoe for running, cross training and the like includes a base member including a raised front portion and a rearwardly extending rear portion. A U-shaped spring is disposed beneath the raised portion. The spring has transversely extending ends engaging the front portion at respective longitudinally spaced locations. The front end of the spring is preferably unconnected to the raised portion such that a projection on the latter cams against and flattens the spring when the user's weight is put on the raised portion. A sole spring element is affixed to the front portion of base member and includes a flexible part overlying, and extending rearwardly beyond, the sole portion of the base member. The flexible part of the rear spring element is disposed at an acute, non-zero angle with respect to the sole portion of the base member.

Abstract: A sole having the ability to provide both stability and cushioning includes at least one stabilizer positioned at selected locations around the perimeter of the sole. Stabilizers are positioned at perimeter locations where sudden impacts are unlikely and greater resistance to compression is needed to stabilize the running motion. The perimeter areas of the sole most likely to experience sudden impacts during running and like activities remain unencumbered of the stabilizers.

Abstract: A boot and a process for assembling the boot, the boot including a flexible upper and a rigid sole. The process includes the assembling of the flexible upper and the rigid sole with the use of an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion obtained by shaping a flexible material. At least two steps of the process includes at least the following: covering a portion of the sole with the intermediate portion to form a junction surface and applying a pressure on the outside of the boot to tighten the intermediate portion against the sole at the level of the junction surface.

Abstract: A spring shoe that includes a foot engaging portion, an upper platform, an intermediate platform, a first specifically configured spring, a lower platform, and a second specifically configured spring. The foot engaging portion engages the foot of the user. The upper platform is attached to the foot engaging portion. The intermediate platform is spaced vertically below the upper platform and is attached thereto by the first specifically configured spring. The lower platform is spaced vertically below the intermediate platform and is attached thereto by the second specifically configured spring. Each of the first and second specifically configured springs are a one-piece continuous wire formed into a pair of spaced-apart conically-shaped helical coils connected to each other by an integrally formed torsion bar.

Abstract: A shoe for running, cross training and the like includes a base member including a raised front portion and a rearwardly extending sole portion. A U-shaped spring is disposed beneath the raised portion. The spring has tranvsersely extending ends engaging the front portion at respective longitudinally spaced locations. A sole spring element is affixed to the front portion of base member and includes a flexible part overlying, and extending rearwardly beyond, the sole portion of the base member. The flexible part of the sole spring element is disposed at an acute, non-zero angle with respect to the sole portion of the base member.

Abstract: An improved walking and hopping shoe comprises a shoe body having at least a detachable soft stimulating piece of a stimulating and deodorizing double insole on an inside bottom of the shoe body, a pair of the same or different coil springs, and a double elastic uneven base plate connected with the springs through the sole of the shoe body. The stimulating piece or insole applies pressure to selected points on the sole of the foot. The deodorizing insole electrolytically functions to generate oxygen to sterilize and to prevent odors inside the shoe body. The shoe provides a safe and health sport and which permits recovery from human fatigue or slight illness as a result of walking or hopping.

Abstract: A lightweight sole construction to be secured beneath a shoe for comfortable stride amplification by absorbing and releasing a user's impact energy. The invention accomplishes this by providing three primary elements which emulate, in sequence, the three basic movements of a forwardly moving foot in contact with the ground which are; heel impact, roll-over, and metatarsal thrust. A hinged leaf spring, having a pair of hinged leaves sandwiched in the heel area of a frame, absorbs energy by tensioning a group of ringed elastics as it's lower curved ends separate. An x-shaped leaf spring, being sandwiched in the toe area between a top and base plate, engages and emulates the user's metatarsal thrust by having free ends which slide apart when depressed and stretch a group of ringed elastics while pivoting about a central axis. A z-shaped platform houses and aligns the spring devices while providing a central support for the user's weight to roll-over.

Abstract: Bending beam sole systems for shoes or foot prostheses comprising a bending beam heel spring, a bending beam forefoot spring, a two coupled spring sole system, and a three coupled spring sole system. The sole systems of this invention maximize stability, cushioning, and walking or running economy.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device for parachutists is disclosed. A conventional rshoe may be modified by riveting or otherwise fastening hook and loop material to the bottom of the overshoe. An impact absorbing sole having a top surface including hook and loop material may be quickly attached to and detached from the modified overshoe. It is also contemplated to provide fastening straps in lieu of or in addition to the hook and loop fastener. The fastening straps may encircle the forefoot area and/or the heel and ankle. The sole may have three layers of solid material or the middle layer may include apertures, which correspond to the heel and ball areas of the foot, for receiving cushioning inserts. The layers may be made of a high density open cell urethane foam, a microcellular ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polyethylene foam, a viscoelastic plasticized polyurethane polymer, or a viscoelastic urethane rubber polymer. The layers may be laminated together using any conventional adhesive.

Abstract: An amusement footwear comprises an insole, an outsole, and a resilient portion disposed between the insole and the outsole for providing the footwear with a bouncing effect. The resilient portion comprises a plurality of coil springs which are held securely by the fitting portions of the insole and the outsole and are enclosed by a resilient casing fastened between the insole and the outsole. The insole is provided on the heel portion thereof with an adjustment device for adjusting the size of the footwear. The outsole is provided respectively on the undersides of both front and rear ends thereof with an anti-skidding device. The footwear is provided with a front foot-fastening strap held in the front retaining holes of a ring portion of the insole and is further provided with a rear foot-fastening strap held in the rear retaining holes of the ring portion of the insole and the retaining holes of the adjustment device.

Abstract: For ensuring longer wear or utilization times without damage to the walking block, the sole portion (11) of the forefoot relieving shoe, more particularly for the postoperative treatment, with a different sole portion elasticity and with a sole portion (11) which is substantially triangular in a side view or in a vertical longitudinal cross-section and possessing a thickness which diminishes toward the rear and which terminates before the metatarsal region of the wearer, of a homogeneous foamed plastic (19), wherein a spring (20, 21) is embedded which can be tensioned against the pressure exerted by a foot on the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe construction having an energy return system together with features providing cushioning and stability. The energy return system includes a rigid frame having a torsional rigidity bar in the midfoot area integrally connecting annular walls in the forefoot and heel areas of the midsole. A net of monofilaments or fibers is secured under tension in the areas defined by the annular walls with the net positioned over an open area in the midsole. A cantilevered system of support pads is positioned in the arch area to support the medial side of the midfoot.The energy return system also includes a rigid frame having annular walls in the heel area. A net of fibers is secured under tension in the area defined by the heel annular walls. The open areas can have inserted within them a variety of inserts to view the components of the energy return system from outside the shoe.

Abstract: A spring-loaded snap-type shoe including a compressible flexible sole having a bottom wall, a top wall, and a peripheral side wall extended therebetween to define a hollow interior, the sole additionally having a toe section, a heel section, and an intermediate section extended therebetween including a bendable ball portion and an arch portion; an elastic back plate disposed within the interior of the sole, the back plate having a rear end coupled to the side wall of the sole at the heel section thereof, a front end with a hook formed thereon positioned at a location adjacent with the ball portion of the sole, and a curved intermediate part extended therebetween and positioned in contact with the top wall of the sole; and an elongated front plate disposed within the interior of the sole, the front plate having a front end coupled to the side wall of the sole at the toe section, a back end with a hook formed thereon positioned at a location above the hook of the back plate, and an intermediate part extended th

Abstract: An article of footwear has an outsole with a cavity in the heel region in which a cushioning insert is installed to cushion impacts and provide added lift to the wearer. The heel region of the outsole projects outwardly beyond the periphery of the heel region of the shoe upper to form a projecting peripheral rim. The cavity has an upper wall and a lower wall and a plurality of springs extend between the upper and lower walls at spaced intervals around the peripheral rim. Opposing magnets are mounted in the upper and lower walls in a central region of the cavity with their like poles facing one another to provide a magnetic biassing force which augments the spring load.

Abstract: An attachment for the soles of shoes to provide a cushioned bouncing effect. The attachment has wall rising on each side of base which the user's shoe rests and securing straps attached to the sides to secure the device to user's foot. The top surface of the base is slightly ribbed to provide both a gripping and cushioning for the user's foot. The lower section of the body of the device has inflatable chambers along the sides and across the front and rear ends. Egg carton shaped recesses of generally cubic shape and with solid vertical walls are provided to provide strength and rigidity to prevent a distortion of the lower surface when the chambers are inflated.

Abstract: A thin, heel-sized plate formed of a composite sandwich of thermoplastic resin and carbon-glass fiber cloth has a pair of upwardly-flanged lateral edges, front and rear ends, and an integral, rearwardly-extending, upwardly-inclined, vertically-acting spring member appending from it. The device is encapsulated within the resilient material of the heel portion of the midsole of an athletic shoe such that the spring member is disposed below the calcaneus of the wearer's foot. The midsole is relieved in an area below the spring member to permit it to bend downward freely in response to heel-imparted forces. A "snubber" or stopper bushing can be molded into the outsole of the shoe to limit the maximum deflection of the spring member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sole system for use especially with an athletic shoe or prosthesis. The sole includes a coupled spring configuration that forms a collapsible, longitudinal arch to permit maximum storage and release of energy during the running cycle.

Abstract: A shoe having an outer sole, an upper attached to the outer sole for enclosing the wearer's foot, and an insole. A compressible and expansible elastic insert is accommodated in a cavity between the outer sole and the insole. The elastic insert has a flat body formed of spring material. Projecting out of the plane of the body is a spiraling, tapering leaf which elastically deflects in response to relative movements of the outer sole and the insole toward and away from one another.

Abstract: A device to be worn beneath footwear or an unshoed foot for increasing stride and reducing fatigue while providing comfort and stability by absorbing the energy in a stride and by releasing that energy to user. The invention accomplishes this by providing a cantilevered leaf spring joined to but separated from a platform supporting the user. As the user enters a stride weight of the user flexes the spring to store the energy of contact with terrain. Then during the completion of the stride the spring releases that energy to the user.

Abstract: A shoe bottom (2), in particular for sports shoes, having a plurality of individual flexurally resilient carrier elements (21) which are directed transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shoe and which are arranged at spacings one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the shoe. The carrier elements are connected to a cover plate portion (20) on the foot side and to an outsole layer (22) on the outward side. Each carrier element (21) is formed by a closed box profile with an upper web portion which extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shoe, a lower web portion which is parallel to the upper web portion, two lateral support walls which connect the ends of the web portions together and bracing means supporting the upper web portion relative to the lower web portion. (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A boot for recreational exercise which is equipped with a pneumatic ball spring. The ball is configured as a first semi-ovoid segment and a second smaller semi-ovoid segment which intersect at a minimum dimension. This minimum dimension receives an inwardly directed ledge which is captured by the fully inflated ball to secure the ball to its retainer. The retainer is in turn, secured to the bottom of the boot platform by adjustable dovetail members to permit the ball to be adjusted under the center of gravity of the wearer. The platform has a clamshell attaching member which secures a portion of the boot's weight to the calf of the wearer. The clamshell mechanism limits rotation about the ankle to .+-.15.degree. and restricts rotation of the foot about the axis of the leg and foot to reduce the potential of injury to the wearer.

Abstract: An article of footwear, for example, an athletic shoe designed for walking, running, or other sports activities. The article of footwear is provided with an upper, an outsole, and a midsole positioned between the outsole and the upper. The midsole has an upper surface upon which a sole of a foot is positioned during use of the article. The midsole is provided with an external cushioning spring. This spring includes one or more angled strips of resilient elastic material. One end of a strip is fixed on the surface of the midsole or outsole at a location at least 3 mm below the upper surface of the midsole. The other end of the strip is fixed on the surface of the midsole or upper at least 3 mm vertically above the location at which the other end is fixed.

Abstract: A high-heeled shoe has a resilient U-shaped blade which forms the heel of the shoe, one limb of the blade being fixed to a rear portion of the sole of the shoe, and the other limb of the blade resting on the ground. Between said one and said other limbs, the blade is gently curved.

Abstract: A shoe construction having an energy return system together with features providing cushinoning and stability. The energy return system includes a rigid frame having a torsional rigidity bar in the midfoot area integrally connecting annular walls in the forefoot and heel areas of the midsole. A net of monofilaments or fibers is secured under tension in the areas defined by the annular walls with the net positioned over an open area in the midsole. A cantilevered system of support pads is positioned in the arch area to support the medial side of the midfoot.

Abstract: A self-ventilating device for a shoe insole, which includes a heel chamber body having a spring disposed therein, an inlet valve having a plurality of sole aperture for communicating with a plurality of channels in the sole portion of the shoe insole, and a pair of outlet valves disposed in both side walls thereof for communicating to the atmosphere, whereby when each step is taken by the shoe user, a moisture and odor waste quantity of air is forced from the channels in the sole portion through the inlet valve to the heel chamber body when the pair of outlet valves are closed and expelled through the pair of outlet valves to the atmosphere automatically when the inlet valve is closed.

Abstract: An article of footwear, for example, an athletic shoe designed for walking, running, or other sports activities. The article of footwear is provided with an upper, an outsole, and a midsole positioned between the outsole and the upper. The midsole has an upper surface upon which a sole of a foot is positioned during use of the article. The term "midsole" is meant to include any cushioning or other device placed within the footwear upon which a foot is positioned during use of the article. The midsole is also provided with an external cushioning spring. This spring includes an angled strip of resilient elastic material. One end of the strip is fixed on the surface of the midsole or outsole at a location at least 3 mm below the upper surface of the midsole. The other end of the strip is fixed on the surface of the midsole at least 3 mm vertically above the location at which the one end is fixed.

Abstract: A spring shoe is provided, of the type which includes a top plate that holds a person's foot and a bottom plate coupled to the top plate through springs to allow for vigorous jumping, wherein the top plate is stabilized against unwanted motion in a simple and rugged mechanism. An elongated cross bar is provided which has a front end hinged to the front of the top plate and a rear end hinged to the rear of the bottom plate. The cross bar permits vertical motion and pitch of the top plate with respect to the bottom plate, while avoiding other unwanted motions of the top plate such as longitudinal and lateral shifting and tilting in roll.

Abstract: An improved jumping shoe attachment is intended for use with a conventional shoe and includes a base, a shoe holder and plural shock cords which extend between the base and the shoe holder and which allow resilient, returnable vertical movemnt of the shoe holder relative to the base. The base includes top and bottom margins which are spaced from one another by a rigid, continuous wall extending therebetween. The shoe holder is constructed to receive a shoe thereon and includes straps for holding the shoe to the holder.

Abstract: A temperature-proof shoe formed by adhering a hollowed shape forming guide plate, which is circumferentially larger than an insole board that is the same size as the bottom surface of a form block, to the underside of a closed cell polyurethane foam layer at the sole portion of a shoe, and tucking in a leather facing in a manner to wrap up the forming guide plate with it. Also, by a roll-in outstitching applied to the leather facing and the outer circumference of the forming guide plate protruding to the outside from the leather facing of the instep portion, the temperature-proof shoes are free from the intrusion of water, satisfactory in heat-retaining property and excellent in design.

Abstract: Improvement in an attachment for shoes in which a hollow body inflated with air and compressed in use is held on each shoe of a user, the improvement comprising constructing the attachment so that it is a bouncing attachment which provides a bounce for the user in walking, running and jumping, the attachment comprising the body having height, length and width and a nearly spherical surface, an arrangement for holding a single such hollow body positioned beneath the arch of each shoe at the point of balance thereof so that the user is able to tilt on the body about such balance point and the portion of the body in contact with the sole of each shoe covering the entire arch thereof.

Abstract: This jumping shoe is worn as a pair for simulating trampoline motion. Primarily, it consists of a frame with a canvas stretched at the top with a shoe secured to it for a wearer, and aircraft-type rubber cords are provided and attached to the canvas for providing an upward motion of the wearer and the structure.

Abstract: An inflated shoe is provided and consists of a hollow pneumatic circular tube, a protective bottom member for engaging the ground, a cushion member within the tube and a shoe removably attached to the cushion member.

Abstract: A boot-type of footwear device is equipped with springs which enable the user to experience a bouncing effect. Four coil springs disposed in a rectangular pattern are disposed upon the underside of the boot. The upper extremities of the springs are embedded in an anchoring base such as a monolithic plastic casting affixed to the underside of the boot. The lowermost extremities of the springs have a non-slip footing. By virtue of its specialized construction, the device provides a more controlled effect during use.

Abstract: A welt is disclosed for shoes having outer soles formed by means of a foaming process. The welt includes a substantially horizontal outsole attaching member having a bottom surface for joining to a shoe outsole. An inseam portion is provided integral with the outsole attaching member along an inner end of the outsole attaching member. A stitch receiving groove is defined by opposing surfaces of the inseam attaching portion and the bottom surface of the outsole attaching member. A hook portion is integral with the outsole attaching member and extends vertically downwardly from the bottom surface along the inner end with the hook portion defining a foam receiving groove beneath the bottom surface.

Abstract: A shoe including a hollow chamber in its heel vented so to contract at each step and a curved steel leaf springs inside the chamber bearing between an upper inside and a bottom sole of the shoe heel, the springs extending forwardly-rearwardly.

Abstract: There is provided a mine-field shoe which is an inflatable multi-compartment air cushion having when inflated, at least one flexible substantially flat, ground-contacting surface, at least one rigid tread member attachable to an upper surface of the air cushion, and means for attaching the mine-field shoe to a boot. Each of the compartments of said air cushion communicates with at least one other compartment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heel construction capable of providing an optimal response for an individual wearing a shoe to which it is attached. The construction is adaptable to being permanently or detachably fixed to a shoe having an upper section and sole section which extend in a generally horizontal direction and form a toe area at one end and a heel area at the opposite end. The heel construction comprises a generally Z-shaped resilient plate the upper arm of the plate extending towards the toe area and the lower arm of the plate extending towards the periphery of the heel area of a shoe to which the construction is fixed.

Abstract: An undamped spring having multi-spring rates is provided in the heel support portion of a shoe for resiliently compressing under heel pressure against the ground and returning a substantial portion of the energy of the pressure to the wearer's foot. The spring is formed of upper and lower leaf-like legs which are integrally joined together at an acute angle whose apex is directed forwardly relative to the shoe. An intermediate leaf-like leg is located between and integrally joined with one and extended towards the other of the upper and lower legs. Thus, heel pressure compresses the upper leg towards the lower leg until the intermediate leg is engaged and, thereafter, spring compression continues at an increased spring rate.

Abstract: An athletic shoe, particularly for running and jumping, including an upper sole, a separate lower sole beneath the upper sole and a leaf spring of approximately the width of the shoe connecting the upper and lower soles. One end of the leaf spring is fastened to one end of the upper sole, such as the front end, while the other end of the leaf spring is fastened to the opposite end of the lower sole. The opposite surfaces of the upper and lower soles facing the spring may be arcuately curved. The spring may be arcuately curved. The upper sole may be fastened to the shoe over the entire length of the upper sole or only at the front of the shoe, e.g. at a joint. Additional springs may be disposed between the upper and lower soles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sporting and exercising unit which includes a foot receiving member and a spring member attached to and disposed at the bottom of the foot receiving member. The spring member includes a spring-leaf-like portion which forms a closed loop and is shaped to permit backward and forward rocking of the user. The spring member may be oval shaped, circle shaped, or in the shape of a parallelogram. The foot receiving member is adjustable to receive different sizes of feet and legs by having opening flaps extending therealong and openings for receiving laces in the flaps whereby to adjust the sizes of these portions by adjusting the sizes of the openings and to adjustably close the openings.